As Chung Yuan Christian University prepares to celebrate its 70th anniversary in October 2025, it reaffirms its commitment to its Christ-centered founding spirit by elevating the Chaplain’s Office to the Chaplaincy Division. This upgrade enhances pastoral care and spiritual support for faculty and students while strengthening the university’s dedication to integrating faith and academics, setting a new benchmark for Christian universities in Taiwan.
On the first day of the 113th academic year’s second semester (February 17), Chung Yuan Christian University held a dedication service for the unveiling of the newly established Chaplaincy Division. As the first of its kind among Christian universities in Taiwan, this initiative marks a significant milestone in the university’s commitment to campus ministry and gospel outreach.
In his speech at the ceremony, CYCU Chairman Chang Kuang-Cheng emphasized that the university was founded on the love and sacrificial spirit of Jesus Christ, a principle it has upheld steadfastly for 70 years. He attributed CYCU’s success to God’s blessings and guidance, underscoring that the university’s dedication to its founding mission is not just rhetoric but a tangible commitment reflected in its educational practices. He also expressed deep gratitude to a devoted Christian couple, Mr. Li Chih-Hsing and Mrs. Jin Hsiao-Mei, who live near the university. Last October, they, along with their son Li Jie, generously donated to support CYCU’s mission and the elevation of the Chaplaincy Division.
Chung Yuan Christian University President Li Ying-Ming stated that the elevation of the Chaplain’s Office holds special significance as the university celebrates its 70th anniversary this year. Rooted in Christ’s love for the world, CYCU has established its educational purpose and holistic education philosophy, which together form its guiding principles and highest spiritual constitution.
This elevation symbolizes the expansion and deepening of campus ministry efforts, reaffirming the university’s commitment to the educational mission entrusted by God. President Li expressed his hope that God’s grace will continue to lead CYCU, enabling it to uphold its faith and serve as a light and salt in the education sector and society, bringing glory to God and blessings to people.
Chaplaincy Division Director Ou Li-Ren reflected on the significance of the elevation and renaming, drawing from biblical examples where God often changed a person’s name when entrusting them with a new mission. Established in 1972, the Chaplain’s Office has served CYCU for nearly 53 years. As the university celebrates its 70th anniversary, he emphasized that this transformation signifies a renewed calling built upon its original responsibilities.
With this elevation, the Chaplaincy Division has introduced two new branches: the Student Ministry Unit and the Faculty and Staff Ministry Unit. These additions enhance its organizational structure, expanding its influence and further deepening campus gospel outreach.
Chung Yuan Christian University highlighted that the Chaplain’s Office has long been dedicated to the well-being of faculty, staff, and students—caring for their body, mind, and spirit—while promoting the integration of faith and education.
In academics, the university has independently developed life education curricula, establishing a comprehensive course framework (Religion, Humanity, and Philosophy Program). Additionally, CYCU has actively supported the Ministry of Education’s Life Education Initiative, deepening faith-based education and character development. These efforts have earned the university recognition as a “Model School for Life Education” and its faculty as “Outstanding Contributors to Life Education”, further affirming its impact in the field.
Founded on Christian faith, Chung Yuan Christian University has made holistic education a defining feature of its academic mission. With the establishment of the Chaplaincy Division, the university will continue to integrate faith and education, further expanding its positive impact on society and the world.
